FAQ

Here are our common and not so common questions we get asked about our services. It will give you an idea of how detailed and committed to providing a professional service for you. If you have other questions, feel free to contact us. You may click on any one of the questions in the Index of Questions for a shortcut to the answer; or you may browse all of the questions and answers in the Full Q&A.

FULL Q&A

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY FAQWhatis aerial photography/videography?In Ducosky, aerial photography/videography is the taking of photographs/videos from the air using UAV/UAS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle/Unmanned Aerial System), multi-rotor drones which are operated via a transmitter remote. They are far more maneuverable and safe than manned aircraft and can get within 10 feet of the subject matter.

What sort of equipment can be used on your UAV's?Oursmallest quad-rotor use action camera rigs and mid-sized hex-rotor drones use mirrorless DSLR camera rigs, which is perfect for capturing close-up action shots and interiors. The quad is also equipped with propeller guards to protect property and people alike. Our larger octo-rotor carries a DSLR camera. It is best for high-end productions that require professional-quality aerial footage.

What about safety?Safety is our first priority. Prior to each session we carefully inspect the site for potential hazards. Because we use electric powered helicopters there is no flammable fuel on board. Also, because our craft is remotely controlled, the pilot safely operates the vehicle from the ground. We do not fly over crowds, unless these are trained personnel (in movie sets, for example) and special precautions are taken to ensure safe passage for the camera.

How far can you fly?The UAV must remain within the Pilot in Command's line of sight (LOS) at all times. For an additional layer of safety, we've set a self-imposed limit of 1 km from the transmitter. If the copter exceeds that limit, it will automatically return to the takeoff location. We like to maintain a visual of the drone at all times and fly accordingly, depending on visibility.

How long can you fly?We use LiPo rechargeable batteries to power our copters. Each battery lasts approximately 10-15 minutes. Changing battery only takes 2 minutes and we always bring multiple batteries to each shoot and recharge during flights as long as there is an outlet nearby.What camera do you use?We use several high quality digital cameras & DSLR ranging from 12 to 24 megapixels depend on your package. However, all these camera can produce high quality photos for printing purpose.Do you shoot in RAW or JPEG?We shoot in RAW when possible. This will make the best quality image when we process the photos and will be presented in JPEG format. For cameras that don't have RAW feature, we shoot in high resolution JPEG.What is the resolution for video? We record video in High Definition 720p, Full HD 1080p, and 4K, depending on your package.

What sort of non-aerial coverage do you provide?Anything you need!We recommend ground coverage for all of our projects; it can often bring the production value to another level and tell a more complete story.We have a full suite of cameras including time lapse, motion time lapse, and slow-motion; a professional lens kit to get precisely the shot you need; and an array of stabilization equipment to give you high-quality films of events, landscapes, promos, real estate properties and more. As a full-scale production studio we do all of our editing in-house to give you a consistent level of professionalism and quality.

Where are you located and what areas do you service?Weare located in Jakarta. We love to travel! If you want to get us on a project that is requires a plane or a long drive then all we ask is that you cover the accomodation fee. We are great at finding deals and do not charge a premium for this. We have passport so don't hesitate to go abroad!

COMMERCIAL FAQWhat is your rate for commercial photography & videography?As with all professional commercial photography & videography, pricing will depend on what the assignment requires. Some jobs will involve more intensive tasks, like set construction and sophisticated photo manipulation, and therefore willrequire the input of several skilled members of our staff. Other jobs will only require a single photographer and simple post-production.Please feel free to contact us to discuss what sort of services you are looking for. We will be happy to provide a detailed quote/estimate with options that will work for your budget. We deal with both large and small businesses, so we scale everything to the customers’ needs.

I would like a quote/estimate, what do you need to know?In order to give you the most accurate quote, the following information is helpful. If you don’t have the specifics at the initial time of contact, then we can supply an estimate based on our experience.

Company name.

What kind of services do you need (i.e. product photo, interior/architecture, company profile video).

When the photos/videos will be taken, so that we can check our availability.

How many photos are needed (you don’t need an exact number, but an estimate would be useful).

Whether the photos/videos need to be taken on location locally, in a studio setting or other venue.

The deadline for when the finished photos/videos are required.

Whether you require models, food stylists, or any other extra people involved with the photos/videos, and if so, if you would like this to be arranged by us.

What forms of media the photos will be used for (e.g. Internet, books, press, brochures, packaging, billboards, etc).

If you have any questions or need help deciding on any of these factors, please give us a call! We are here to make it easy and stress free, and we’ll guide you through the process to ensure that we have sufficient information to quote and start any assignment.I need employee photos, can you come to my premises?We are happy to bring our studio equipment to you, ensuring that you will receive professional studio-quality images while also saving you time and therefore maintaining the productivity of your business.Do you do advanced image manipulation and retouching?We do all image manipulation and retouching in-house.Do you do video editing?Yes, we can do from simple video editing such as tone editing, cropping, and timing, to animating your logo, adding text, etc. If you have special request, please contact us.How long does it take to get our pictures?This is dependent on the level of post-production required and your deadline. Generally, images are supplied within five working days, but you will be advised at the time.

What format do we get our images/videos in?Most commercial clients prefer high resolution digital files sent via ftp or by email. We also provide access to a private online client gallery, where you can select the images of your choice from the shoot. Alternatively, images & video can be supplied on CD or DVD.

What’s the difference between owning copyright and being given a licence?Copyright is a term that relates to who owns the rights to distribute, publish, and sell photos (or other creations). Copyright is automatically given to the photographer when he/she takes a photo, as it is his/her original work. Photographers very rarely wish to give up their copyright, as it basically means other individuals decide what gets to be done with their photos.Licensingis generally what professional photographers provide to their clients (Ducosky included). Licensing can take many forms, and needs to be in a written contract; at its most basic, it allows a photographer to license the rights to their work for specific uses. For example, if you purchase (license) a high-resolution digital image for your business, the licensing may say you can have exclusive use of the image to use in any advertising or non-advertising use (in other words, no restrictions on use at all). However, you can’t sell the image to a third party. Rest assured whatever your needs are, we can tailor a license for your particular usage requirements.Do we receive a contract at the time of booking?Yes you will. Ducosky is proud to support industry standard terms and conditions, which also ensure that your rights as a client are protected.How big is the team you work with?This will depend upon the shoot we are being asked to carry out but generally speaking on the day it would be the photographer/videographer and one assistant. Always bear in mind however that the idea is quality not quantity.

Will you hold a shoot date while we decide?Yes, only if you have deposit. Complete the appropriate form and a shooting date will be held, however please note that if you cancel within two-weeks of any confirmed date, we will charge a half-day fee for each day canceled. If you cancel within one week of a scheduled day, we will charge a full-day fee for each day canceled.Do you shoot RAW or JPEG?RAW, this will make the best quality image when we process the photos and will be presented in JPEG format.Do you store/archive the digital files?Yes. Every digital file/photograph we ever take is archived into external hard-drives.Do you include prints?No. We are more than happy to but generally a client has so many areas they wish to use the images we provide that we simply provide the digital files on CD/DVD.How do we book?Simply contact us and tell us what kind of services you need. We’ll give you quote, and if you agree we will send you a contract. After you pay the deposit, we will start working.

What sort of lighting do you use?We use natural light as much as possible. We prefer to use a camera mounted flash as little as possible and we do use a hand-held video light from time to time. In a studio environment we will of course use the appropriate studio lighting (ie: umbrella, soft-boxes etc).

What areas do you service?Weare located in Jakarta. We love to travel! If you want to get us on a project that is requires a plane or a long drive then all we ask is that you cover the accomodation fee. We are great at finding deals and do not charge a premium for this. We have passport so don't hesitate to go abroad!

MOMENT FAQWhy should my wedding be videotaped?There is nothing like reliving your special day on video. You are so busy getting married that you are prone to miss the special moments of you and your family. In the years to come, would your kids and grandkids like to see you getting married. We think so! We feel it's important to preserve those memories, not just for you but for your children as well.

Why should I pay for a pro video when my friends, parents or relatives can tape it with their camcorders? Evenwith access to high-end camcorders by the general public, most friends and relatives don't have the training or experience as well as the equipment of a professional videographer. A professional videographer has experience with all types of wedding ceremonies and special events. There is only once chance to get it right. The professional will set up and capture clearer audio than a well-meaning friend with a camcorder. Special attention is paid to angles, sound quality, as well as content. We have no problem with other guests videotaping as long as they do not interfere with our efforts.

I would like you to shoot my wedding/event, how do I start the process?Reach us via contact form along with your wedding/event date and venue, if secured. We will respond by email or phone. If possible, we would like to meet you both in person so you can get to know your future photographer/videographer and can ask us everything you need. Once you’ve decided to choose us as your photographer/videographer, we will send a contract for you to sign and return with a deposit.Why should I sign a contract? A contract protects both you and the photographer/videographer and should be comprehensive and clear. Don’t hire any professional with merely a verbal agreement. A contract signed by both parties reserves your event date.How much do I need to deposit?We require a 50% initial deposit and the rest of the fee to be paid 1 week before the event day.

How big is the team you work with?We always shoot with at least 2 photographers and 1 videographer (if you take the video package). The first photographer will focus on shooting and looking for special moments so we don’t miss the important ones. The 2nd shooter offers a different but complementary perspective and allows us to work efficiently throughout the entire day.Where are you based?We are based in Jakarta, but we are available (and love!) to travel. If you aren’t in this location, please read the next question.

Do you travel?We love to travel and will generally arrive at least the day before the event to help ensure that unexpected travel delays will not make us late or miss your big day. Let us know where you are and we’ll figure out the best way to get us out to you. We have passport so don't hesitate to go abroad!

When should we do the wedding portraits?Thisis mostly up to you, but usually a couple of hours before the ceremony or immediately following the ceremony. Shooting before the ceremony allows you to check one more thing off the day’s to-do list early on and, more importantly, to afford you and the wedding party a chance to enjoy the cocktail hour and mingle with your guests. Shooting after the ceremony, depending on the time, could allow you to take advantage of the setting sun and its softer light (if your venue has outdoor area).

Do you take getting-ready shots?Surely do, the energy and excitement of everyone moving about is there. We can also capture the calm and solemn moments when the bride and groom think about their wedding vows, the family and friends around them, and everything leading up to and away from this moment.Do you shoot in RAW or JPEG?RAW, this will make the best quality image when we process the photos and will be presented in JPEG format.Can you edit the photos into particular style?There are countless ways to edit a photo. Some may appeal to one couple, while not to another. If you see a particular style you like, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate.

When will I get to see my event photos?Your photos will generally be ready within 2-4 weeks following the event. We do a careful process of choosing the best images from the day and processing each of them with individual attention. We also provide access to a private online client gallery, where you can select and save the images of your choice from the shoot.

How much do you tape and how long will the video be?We will do our professional best to deliver a video to you that will hold your interest throughout the entire tape. We know that your wedding tape will be something you will want to watch over and over again. The final, edited tape varies in length.Usually, the video will run about 30 – 60 minutes. This estimate depends on which package you select and the length of your service and how much fun you have at the reception. The more energetic your party is, the more tape we record. It's all too easy to record everything and end up with a tape that runs 3 or 4 hours. The sign of an amateur videographer is someone who offers you 2 full video tapes of your wedding and reception. Think to yourself, "When was the last time I sat down and watched a great 4 hour movie?" Your wedding video, like a really good movie, should be enjoyable to watch, not only the first time, but, again and again.When will I get my finished videotape? Normal production time for video is 2-3 months after the event.

Do you offer albums?Yes. We include album in all our packages. We also offer custom-designed hardbound coffee-table photo books along with a selection of other a la carte products. The album will be ready approximately 1-2 months after we show you the photos in private online client gallery.

Who chooses the photographs in the album?We offer you a chance to pick a selection of photos that you must have in the album from private online client gallery. This can be anywhere from 0 to the entire album. However, we do advise that you let us choose the majority of the photos for the album since we will use our best judgment to select the best and more relevant photos to tell the story of your special day.Will you post the photographs online?We certainly hope so. We generally will post about every shoot on our website and social media. If you want to keep your photos private, please tell us. We respect your privacy.

What if my church has restrictions on video? It is the client’s responsibility to find out if there are any restrictions on photography and videography wherever the event takes place and to notify us well in advance. Many churches have guidelines, such as no flash photography and no moving around during the ceremony and understandably so.Ducoskyasks for access to the site of the ceremony 1 hour prior to the scheduled starting time in order to set up our cameras and microphones and to make a proper test of all the equipment. It is our experience that churches sometimes fail to schedule enough time between events, so be sure to find out exactly how much time you will have access to the site before and after the ceremony. Photographers, videographers, florists and other vendors need sufficient time to do their best work.

Do I have a choice of music?Yes, you can use whatever music you please. We request that you provide all music to be used (preferably on CD) and assume all responsibility in respect to copyright laws. The number of musical selections will vary according to which options you choose for your video.

Should I provide a meal for the photographer/videographer? Weare on the job for sometimes up to 8 - 10 hours between the time we arrive at the church and the time we leave the reception. We do appreciate if you provide us with a meal and if possible to provide it quickly so that we are ready to work again at a moment’s notice. Don’t feed your vendors last because you will probably want shots of the newly married couple as they greet their guests at the tables.

Why is wedding photography/videography so expensive?Actually, it is not. A lot of people tend to see wedding photography & videography as just the 10 odd hours the photographer & videographer shoot on the day. But by our calculations, we spend over 80 hours on each wedding. Right from the first contact, the subsequent meetings, emails and phone calls, the hours start piling up. The engagement shoot will probably take 3-4 hours, editing its images another 6 hours. The wedding day itself throws out over a thousand images (at least 2000 images) and hundreds of video footages (at least 350 footages) which could take anywhere between 20-40 hours to edit, images & videos need to be backed up, uploaded, designing albums, modified, all the while continuing communications with you, the printers and the binders.Weeksafter your wedding, while other vendors have long since moved on to other projects, we’ll be the only ones still working on your wedding. You will spend a lot of money on a wedding dress or flowers or a venue or on catering which you are going to have for only one day, but your photographs & video will be the only thing you have to remember that one day for the rest of your lives.

VIRTUAL TOUR FAQWhat is a virtual tour?A Virtual Tour is a full-color 360° view of an interior or exterior of a property, composed of a sequence images. They immerse you in the space giving you almost the same experience as if you were actually standing in the room. It may also use other multimedia elements such as sound effects, music, narration, and text.

Who can use virtual tour?One of the most familiar applications of virtual tours is by estate agents. These tours tend to be small scale, and low-quality, as price is the biggest issue.High-resolution(‘high definition’) tours that can be viewed at both small screen and full screen are the best option for any organization for whom quality is important. They give a far better user experience and will showcase the space most effectively. Ducosky specializes in high definition tours, shot in very high resolution. Virtual Tour can be used not only by property/real estate, but also hotel, resort, tourism site, university, school, museum, gallery, sports/recreation center, expo, ballroom, conference venue, department store, restaurant & retail industries, site plan, and investment location.

What’s the advantage of having a virtual tour on your website?A virtual tour which is relevant to the viewer can help both build a brand and sell a product, through showcasing the space or products that will best inspire your audience. They enable you to bring your audience closer to you. Virtual tour can also save you more time and effort of showing people the real location.

How much does it cost?This depends on the type of project that you’re commissioning. When we’ve got an idea of your project, we’ll be able to talk you through the various options. We can guarantee that we provide excellent value, with future-proof virtual tours which will stand the test of time.

What preparation should I do before the shoot?The space should be as you’d like to show it to your audience. So we recommend clearing away any unsightly items, like bins, coats or piles of paperwork. Windows should be nice and clean, and so on. We’ll provide specific advice in advance of the shoot, but don’t worry, it’s nothing much beyond a clean and tidy to make your space look good!How long does the photo shoot take?We generally allow about 20 minutes per 360 virtual tour, so the shoot process itself is relatively swift. Back in the studio, each tour spends several hours in production, to ensure the best results.How long before I can have my tours?This depends on the complexity of the job. Some projects may require more than 2 weeks, while others may take less than 1 week. Talk to us and we can give you a clear indication of how long your project is likely to take.

What extra features can a virtual tour have?

Interface We can design and create an interface through which all your virtual tours can be viewed. This can be within the main framework of your site, or even as a standalone microsite.

Floor plan Tours can be linked to a floor plan, so that users can feel orientated and choose how and where to move within a space. This is particularly useful for architects or property developers.

Google Maps A Google Maps interface enables users to see 360 virtual tours that are geographically removed from each other. Large numbers of virtual tours can be linked via a map making it easy for the user to understand how the locations relate to each other.

Hotspots A clickable button or other on screen icon/text that allows the viewer to move from one viewpoint to another. For example a hotspot located over a doorway may move you to the next room when clicked.

Multimedia We can add in whatever multimedia ingredients you need so that they integrate seamlessly with your virtual tours. So if you require an audio soundtrack, voiceover, sound effects, a movie, or any other multimedia ingredients, just ask us and we’ll explain how they can be incorporated to your virtual tours.

How will my tours be delivered?You choose – a web download is often the quickest method, alternatively we can provide your 360 tours on a CD/DVD. Or even both!

What format will my tour be in?HTML5 is the newest hypertext markup language – the code that makes up websites. All our virtual tours will work on an HTML5 compatible browser. HTML5 is supported in all modern browsers. Smartphones and tablets mostly use HTML5 to display virtual tour images. We also provide Flash format for you.How do I get my tour online for people to see?The easy option is for us to host it for you. Alternatively, you can host the virtual tours on your own server. We can discuss the options with you, so you’re comfortable with how to proceed.What areas do you cover?We are located in Jakarta. We love to travel! If you want to get us on a project that is requires a plane or a long drive then all we ask is that you cover the accomodation fee. We are great at finding deals and do not charge a premium for this. We have passport so don't hesitate to go abroad!

Can I view your tours on my iPad or iPhone and Android devices?Yes, our 360 virtual tour works with HTML 5 and Adobe Flash Player, you can use any browsers, tablets, mobile phones, Android devices, iPad and iPhone.